Live Helene updates: Atlanta weather warnings, watches

ATLANTA – Atlanta is seeing storms on Wednesday associated with a front ahead of Hurricane Helene. 

Hurricane Helene is currently a category 1 storm still churning in the Gulf of Mexico, but slowly trekking northward. 

The FOX 5 Storm Team is monitoring its potential to strengthen into a major hurricane, hitting the Florida Gulf Coast and moving its way through the heart of Georgia.

Helene is expected to impact the north Georgia area with tropical storm force winds, heavy rains, lightning, and the potential for spin-up tornadoes.

How bad is Hurricane Helene?

As of 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Helene was a Category 1 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph. It’s about 110 miles north-northeast of Cozumel, Mexico and about 480 miles south-southwest of Tampa, moving north-northwest at 10 mph, the National Hurricane Center said.

The storm is expected to continue its northward movement, making landfall between the Big Bend and Tallahassee.

A Hurricane Watch is posted from Englewood to Anclote River, including Tampa Bay in Florida. A Hurricane Warning is in effect from Anclote River to Mexico Beach in Florida.

MORE: Hurricane Helene: Here’s how to prepare for severe storms, power outages

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Florida Keys, including the Dry Tortugas; Flamingo to Anclote River, including Tampa Bay; west of Mexico Beach to the Okaloosa/Walton County line; Flamingo northward to South Santee River; and Lake Okeechobee.

A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued north of the South Santee River to Little River Inlet. 

Tropical storm-force winds extend outward up to 175 miles from the center of the storm.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center said the storm is expected to “intensify and grow in size” as it moves north across the Gulf of Mexico. Heavy rainfall was forecast for the southeastern U.S. starting Wednesday, with a “life-threatening storm surge” along the entire west coast of Florida, according to the center.

Helene is expected to become a major hurricane — a Category 3 or higher — on Thursday, the day it’s set to reach Florida’s Gulf Coast, according to the hurricane center.

Hurricane Helene tracker Atlanta

While Helene has taken aim at the Florida Panhandle, it will move inland through the heart of Georgia by the end of the week.

The system will likely weaken to a tropical storm as it reaches metro Atlanta. Residents should be weather aware and prepare now for the potential of high winds, heavy rains, deadly lightning, and even a possible tornado. 

As of 2 p.m., the storm was about 820 miles south of Atlanta or about 710 miles south-southwest of Cordele. 

High winds: The winds will depend on where you live, but sustained tropical-storm-force winds with hurricane-force gusts are expected throughout metro Atlanta and north Georgia. So, dangerous winds between 39 and 74 mph with gusts as high as 80 mph are possible. 

• Residents should use Wednesday to pick up yard debris, secure loose items, bring in trash cans, take down hanging plants or chimes, and close shutters, if you so choose.
• The winds could potentially damage roofing and siding materials, along with damage to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds.
• A few buildings could experience window, door, and garage door failures.
• Mobile home damage is possible, especially if unanchored. Fences and roadway signs may also be susceptible.
• The biggest threat will be trees and branches, not to mention downed power lines. Expect extended power outages and impassable roadways through Friday evening.
• Do not attempt to cross bridges or overpasses during these winds, and do not drive high-profile vehicles.

Heavy rains: Rainfall amounts of 4 to 10 inches, with localized amounts over 12 inches, are expected. The highest amounts are expected over a wide swatch along Interstate 85 into northeast Georgia from Columbus to Atlanta to Gainesville and the northeast Georgia mountains. Widespread flooding is expected with significant flash flooding and moderate to major river flooding possible. 

• A Flood Watch is in effect for most of Georgia through Friday evening.
• There is the potential for life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible significant to extensive impacts across much of north and central Georgia.
• Rivers and tributaries may overwhelmingly overflow their banks in many places with deep moving water. Small streams, creeks, canals, arroyos, and ditches may become raging rivers. In mountain areas, deadly runoff may rage down valleys while increasing susceptibility to rockslides and mudslides. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed.
• Floodwaters can enter numerous structures within multiple communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed away.
• There are numerous places where floodwaters may cover escape routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of raging water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions can become very dangerous. Numerous road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out.

Tornadoes: Prepare for a dangerous tornado event having possible limited impacts across east-central Georgia.  

• The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans during tropical events.
• Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures.
• Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed about.
• Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll.

While the rain will continue through the remainder of the workweek, the winds and the heaviest portion of the storm is expected to move through Thursday evening into Friday morning. Storm conditions will continue for multiple hours.

Helene is the eighth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. 

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted an above-average Atlantic hurricane season this year because of record-warm ocean temperatures. It forecasts 17 to 25 named storms, with four to seven major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher. 

Watch vs. warning: Knowing the difference 

In the world of meteorology, terms like “watch” and “warning” are commonplace.  

A “watch” indicates the potential for a significant weather event, such as tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, floods, or winter conditions. It means that the ingredients for dangerous weather are present, and it could develop shortly. National Weather Service experts emphasize that a watch serves as a preparatory alert, encouraging individuals to stay informed and to devise safety plans in case conditions worsen. 

On the other hand, a “warning” is far more urgent. It confirms that the perilous weather is either happening or imminent, based on sightings or radar evidence. Warnings signal a time to take immediate action to protect life and property. Whether it’s taking shelter during a tornado warning or moving to higher ground during a flood warning, the response should be swift and decisive. 

A third term, “advisory” may be issued to give a heads up about a weather event but does not rise to the criteria of the other two. 

Meteorologists stress the importance of recognizing these alerts, as they are designed to provide timely information that can prevent loss of life and minimize injury. There are multiple ways to receive alerts — such as weather apps, radios, or text alerts — and to always err on the side of caution when these notices are issued. 

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Atlanta weather: School closings

Hurricane Helene is impacting schools and businesses. Several high schools are opting to move their Friday football games. Multiple school districts have opted to go virtual. 

Atlanta and Fulton County schools say they will be making changes to the schedule for the coming days.

FOX 5 has a full list of closings, delays, and cancelations here.

Helene flight delays

In Atlanta, there is the possibility that Helene will impact operations at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which could create a ripple effect on travel across the country. 

Tampa International Airport is expected to close at 2 a.m. Thursday, but it is not clear if Atlanta will officially close.

Delta Air Lines says any rebooking made before Oct. 1 due to Helene will have the booking fee waived. Tickets must have been purchased prior to Sept. 25, 2024. 

Atlanta preparing for Helene

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens says all nonessential employees will be working from home through the end of the week. 

The Atlanta Police Department, in partnership with Wellstar, is working to inform unhoused residents about the storm. Overflow shelters will be set up at Selena Butler Recreation Center, Old Adamsville Recreation Center and Central Park Recreation Center as needed.

The city is also working to help prepare its senior population.

Georgia issues State of Emergency

Gov. Brian Kemp has issued a state of emergency in Georgia on Tuesday ahead of Hurricane Helene.

The storm is expected to make landfall as a Category 3 hurricane along the gulf coast of Florida and portions of the Florida panhandle. It is projected to travel northeast, arriving in metro Atlanta late Thursday or early Friday.

RELATED: Helene: Cancelations in metro Atlanta, North Georgia 

The state of emergency is in effect until midnight Oct. 2. The order allows for government departments to deploy resources as needed to any area impacted by the storm. 

GEMA tells residents to get ready now for Helene

The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA) held a briefing Tuesday afternoon to discuss how the state is preparing for Helene.

“It’s going to be a very fast moving storm,” said GEMA director Chris Stallings.

GEMA reports that the storm headed toward Georgia is fast-moving, unlike Debby. As a result, it is expected to impact a much larger portion of the state, especially the North Georgia mountains.

At this time, approximately 4 to 8 inches of rain is expected statewide, with winds potentially reaching hurricane levels as far north as Macon. Even at non-hurricane levels, the wind is expected to cause significant damage, bringing down trees and power lines, leaving thousands of residents without power.

“Once the storm gets to you, you need to shelter in place,” said Stallings.

If possible, take shelter in a basement. GEMA also reminded residents that a vehicle is not considered adequate shelter. “Stay away from those windows. You need to listen to those caution messages,” Stallings added.

“It is not safe to be out…it is extremely dangerous as we’ve seen through some of these storms the impact of what limbs and rocks and debris can do to somebody. Unfortunately, the majority of our loss of life during these events are trees falling on cars,” Stallings said.

“We understand the magnitude of this storm…this is going to be a statewide impact,” Stallings added.

According to GEMA, portions of Georgia will start seeing heavy rain by Wednesday night and Thursday morning. By Friday morning, central and northern Georgia will be experiencing the brunt of the storm.

“Central Georgia is gonna take a direct hit,” Stallings said.

GEMA reminded residents that there are multiple ways to receive weather alerts and storm updates from state, county, and local media (click here to download the free FOX 5 Storm Team app).

“We’ve called in all our not for profit organizations,” Stallings said.

GEMA also urged residents to be prepared to live without power for at least 72 hours, ensuring cellphones are charged, backup power sources are ready, and adequate supplies of non-perishable food and water are on hand.

Earlier Tuesday, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper urged farmers and residents in South Georgia to prepare for Helene, which is expected to bring heavy rain, flooding, and strong winds.

Harper emphasized the importance of creating safety plans for families and farms, and encouraged Georgians to stay informed through trusted news sources. The Georgia Department of Agriculture, in coordination with state agencies, is monitoring the storm and has resources for severe weather preparation and recovery. Farmers are advised to follow evacuation orders and use a checklist provided by the department.

Georgia Power says its crews will be on standby to fix outages. Officials with the Red Cross also say their workers will be on the ground after the storm to help victims and provide necessary resources.